If you have been summoned by the police, arrested, or accused of a crime in Korea, the first 48–72 hours often decide the outcome. Attorney Doyun Lee, a KBA-certified criminal law specialist, defends foreign nationals directly in English.
A criminal case in Korea moves fast, and for a foreign national the stakes go beyond the sentence: an investigation can trigger a travel ban, and a conviction can lead to visa cancellation or deportation. Handling the criminal case and the immigration consequence separately is a common and costly mistake.
The single most important rule is simple: do not give a statement before you have spoken to a lawyer. Statements made during questioning become part of the official record and are very difficult to retract later.
Sexual offense allegations and digital sex crimes (illegal filming, obscene communication, CSEM allegations). DUI and traffic-related crimes. Drug allegations. Fraud and voice-phishing accomplice allegations. Assault, threats, and stalking. Both defense for the accused and representation for victims filing complaints.
Write down the timeline while your memory is fresh, preserve any messages or files that support your account, and do not delete anything. Do not attempt to "explain it away" to the other party or the police before you understand how your words will be read.
An interpreter provided at the station translates the questions, but does not protect your interests or build your statement strategy. You have the right to counsel during police and prosecutor questioning in Korea — use it before, not after, your first statement.
Depending on the charge and outcome, a criminal case can affect your status of residence, lead to a travel ban during the investigation, and in serious cases result in deportation. Because of this, the defense strategy has to account for the immigration angle from the start. Attorney Doyun Lee reviews both together.
Results reflect individual cases and do not guarantee the outcome of any similar matter.
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Do not give a statement before consulting a lawyer. Preserve evidence, write down the timeline, and contact Attorney Doyun Lee — mark your email URGENT (dylee@newlawyer.co.kr). For foreigners, the case can also affect your visa and travel.
It can, depending on the charge and the result. That is why the criminal defense and the immigration consequence should be handled together rather than in separate offices.
No. An interpreter translates words but does not build your defense or protect your interests. You have the right to counsel during questioning; retain a lawyer before your first statement.
Yes. Attorney Doyun Lee consults directly in English and handles cases remotely nationwide; the retainer is signed electronically.
Not always. A travel ban can be imposed during an active investigation, especially for serious charges, and leaving without clearing this first can itself create legal problems. Confirm your travel status with a lawyer before booking any flight.
Not automatically. Most police interviews in Korea proceed on a voluntary, summoned basis without arrest. Detention requires a warrant, generally tied to flight risk or risk of evidence destruction — which is one more reason your first statement and conduct during the investigation matter.
It varies widely by charge and evidence complexity — from a few weeks for a straightforward matter to many months for cases involving digital forensics or multiple parties. An early case assessment gives a realistic timeline for your specific charge.
Not necessarily. Many procedural steps can be handled by your lawyer, and some interviews can be scheduled around travel. Whether your presence is required depends on the charge and stage — this is reviewed case by case.
A witness is questioned for information about someone else’s case; a suspect is the person under investigation and has the right to remain silent and to counsel. If you are unsure which one you are, that itself is a reason to consult a lawyer before the interview — the label affects your rights during questioning.
Immediately, and before your first scheduled interview if possible. Early involvement affects what evidence can still be preserved, how your first statement is framed, and whether a travel ban or detention risk can be addressed proactively. Email dylee@newlawyer.co.kr and mark it URGENT for a fast response.
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A brief initial email describing your matter is free. Detailed legal advice or evidence review is a paid advisory service (KRW 550,000). Email is available in English and Chinese.
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Phone consultation in English: 30 minutes, KRW 110,000. In-person consultation in English: 30 minutes, KRW 550,000.
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Advertising Attorney: Doyun Lee, KBA-certified criminal law specialist, Newlawyer Law Office. This page is general legal information and does not guarantee any specific result.